Volume 1 Chapter 7 It Was Supposed to Be the Key Point, Saltzstadt
The eastern street leads to the Deahr Kingdom, while the northern street extends to the Goldmont Kingdom; Sartzstadt, located in the southwestern part of the continent, is a crucial point for the Beistein Kingdom, which has a port town.
It was supposed to be a crucial point, but...
"...it's not as lively as I thought it would be."
"That's true..."
As soon as we arrived in Sartzstadt, that was our impression.
Strange.
Even with the nearby port town and the presence of the magical stone mine in Bern Village, I expected a bustling trade, but that was not the case at all; there were few merchants around.
What's going on?
"Well, for now, let's take care of the paperwork at the Adventurers' Guild."
"Y-Yeah, let's do that."
Since I suggested this town, I feel like I might be putting some pressure on Lene.
My stomach hurts.
We confirmed the locations of the Adventurers' Guild and the Merchant Guild in the sparse crowd and decided to head there.
* * *
Though I had some expectations, unfortunately, the Adventurers' Guild was as deserted as outside.
Even though I felt a bit uneasy, we had limited time for the reception, so we both decided to proceed with the relocation paperwork.
"Alright, a transfer, right? ...Huh, both of you are Third Rank!? If you can transfer, that would be a huge help!"
The woman at the Adventurers' Guild's reception, Ms. Anne, who appeared to be in her early twenties, seemed genuinely delighted.
While having 2 Third Ranks transferring at the same time is indeed rare, if Sartzstadt is as big a town as rumored, there should be other Third Ranks around, shouldn't there?
"Um, excuse me. Is this town really the bustling Sartzstadt as rumored?"
Lene, who was just as confused, timidly asked Ms. Anne that question.
No, no.
After all, it clearly says "Application for relocation to Sartzstadt" on this paper, so there can't be a mistake about the town name.
However, perhaps Lene's words stirred something in her, as Ms. Anne showed a complex expression and let out a sigh.
"Yes, there's no mistake; it is indeed the strategic Sartzstadt. But... things have changed recently..."
"Changed, you say...?"
It seems there are circumstances about the town that we don't know.
I decided to quietly listen to their conversation.
"Yes. Although it's on the frontier, the northern and eastern town roads connect, and there are mines nearby, making it an important transportation hub facing the sea. That was the case until about a year ago."
According to Ms. Anne, until a year ago, it was a hub for merchants, thriving with much trade.
However, the mine's output of magic stones decreased, leading to its closure.
Moreover, it was struck by a major earthquake that hit the southwestern continent, and the once magnificent port, which was the gateway for overseas trade, was destroyed, with no prospects for recovery in sight.
"On top of that, a road has been built connecting the town of Fulsburgh near the border with the Goldmont Kingdom to the north, and the town of Raat near the border with the Deer Kingdom to the east."
"...Isn't the northeastern part of this country mountainous?"
Right.
As Lene said, the northeastern part of the Beistein Kingdom is concentrated with mountains.
Given the presence of mountains, I think the town routes connecting the area would incur travel costs...
"They found a route with little elevation that weaves through the mountains. It's a project led by His Majesty the King, and there's even a big bridge built over the river along the way."
"I-I see..."
With the gem mines and ports gone, alternative routes have also been established.
It's indeed clear that the population will decrease under these circumstances.
"...Wait, the mines are now abandoned? That's bad."
I forcibly recalled an element I had overlooked and buried my head in my hands at that reality.
If we can't extract magic stones, the benefits of my activities here will be greatly diminished.
"Huh? ...Oh, Mr. Ryuuji is an enchanter? If that's the case, looking for mines with magic stones would be a shock..."
Ms. Anne's pitying gaze is painful.
The magic stones that an enchanter can bestow effects upon, the so-called <Stone of Nothingness>, can be mined from magic stone mines.
If we can't extract those, it's almost like my lifeline has been cut off... though I won't say it's that drastic, I will have to purchase them at high prices from other regions.
"Moreover... if we can't get materials from the sea, Lene will have a hard time as well."
"W-Well, it's not that much of a problem. Besides, if it's shallow waters, I can gather them myself, and I've also heard there are saline lakes nearby that connect to the sea, so I think we could manage some alternatives there."
"I-I see..."
This is troublesome; unexpected things keep hitting me.
Well, if I think about it, it all comes down to my lack of preparation.
"...What would you do? Is it alright to accept the transfer application?"
"Ah..."
Ms. Anne, looking apologetic, handed the paper back, causing Lene and me to exchange glances.
For her, having 2 Third Rank adventurers should be a welcome thing, but given the circumstances, it must be difficult to accept.
She's a good person.
"If Mr. Ryuuji is okay with it, I'm fine."
Lene looked up at my face, which was at a high position, and replied with a wry smile.
I understood well during the half month of traveling, but this elf still has a troublesome personality.
I scratched my cheek awkwardly and let out a small sigh.
"...To be honest, I have a reason for needing to transfer here."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
After explaining the reason to a curious Lene and getting her to understand, we decided to resubmit the transfer application.
I'm in a bind.
If I had known this would happen, I should have used other means.
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